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White Sox monitoring Danks through spring camp

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GLENDALE, Ariz. -- There's not much more that John Danks could have accomplished during his rehab since Aug. 6 arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder. But the veteran southpaw realizes a real test for his recovery will come from facing hitters.

That challenge should come in game competition on March 4 at home against the defending World Series champion Giants.

"Just being able to throw and being able to do what they have asked me so far, that's where I'm at," Danks said. "I'm where they told me to be at this point, so hopefully that's good enough. We'll see."

White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper stressed that Danks is not on some sort of special Spring Training program because of the surgery. The White Sox will be very careful to ensure Danks stays strong throughout the season, which could mean not breaking camp with the team even if he's ready, or at least moving a little slower at the start.

"I anticipate being ready. Obviously, there's a lot of time between now and then. I feel good about things. We'll see how it goes," Danks said. "I'm healthy. I'm ready to be over it. That's been a long process, but it's been part of it. It's got a little bit further to go."

"It's going to be on Coop and [White Sox manager] Robin [Ventura] as we go forward to sort of make sure he's not biting off more than he can chew," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "He feels strong, he looks great, he's eager. That's all wonderful, but we still need to put a little bit of governor on him so we can hopefully get him through seven months."